Dave L.

Traditional Piano lessons for beginning through intermediate with optional focus on popular music applications and improvisation.

About David

Education Experience:

Private Lessons - 20 yearsPublic School - 4 years

Instruments taught: piano, woodwinds

Dave holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from The University of Central Florida. While teaching for the St. Johns County School system in St. Augustine Florida from 2002-2006, Dave was twice nominated for Teacher of the Year and wrote several award winning grants for his school's music program. Certifications from the state of Florida he has held include K-12 instrumental music.

Performance Experience:

Dave as performed and worked throughout the United States,

including Hawaii, and also in Europe, & the Caribbean. His primary instruments include keyboard instruments and saxophone.

Dave has performed or toured directly with artists such as 80's Pop icon Tiffany, Heidi Newfield (formerly of the platinum selling band, Trick Pony), late Opry star, Mel McDaniel, Grammy nominated vocalist, John Berry, and has been touring and recording with platinum selling band, Sister Hazel since 2012.

Dave has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry numerous times as well as national television, with shows including The Late, Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson, The Academy of Country Music Awards, and various TV specials on the Trinity Broadcast Network.

Prior to and since moving to Nashville in late 2007, Dave has always established a solid reputation among the professional musical community and continues to reach new goals each year as a musician and music educator.

*** Lesson Details ***All students who sign up for lessons will receive a basic fundamental foundation of musical knowledge. Once the fundamentals are understood and assessed, we can then begin to take a more in depth approach in reaching the student's specific goals as a musician. Aspiring songwriters, usually playing piano or guitar will have a different agenda than a high school saxophonist practicing for their state music assessments. Lessons are built around each student's specific interests.

It is important to know that your musical goals can be met with consistent practice, discipline, and dedication to your chosen instrument. So what is the most valuable and sometimes the most difficult skill musicians must learn and subscribe to? HOW to practice...and that will be the underlying theme to each and every lesson we share. The way we practice shapes us as musicians!

Remember that each time people hear you play or sing, you are only compared to the best there is. Smart practice makes perfect!

*** Specialties ***Traditional methods for all instruments; begin with fundamentals while measuring consistent application of skills learned from week to week. For piano in addition to traditional methods, I also can teach a songwriter based course with more emphasis on chord structures, ear training, and chart writing. I also place a big emphasis on HOW to practice rather than just how often.

...

Reviews

Mike December 3, 2016
Saxophone ·
In studio Verified Student

David was very positive, accessible and knowledgeable.

Kaden August 18, 2015
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

It is obvious that Dave has a lot of training, experience and strength in teaching piano. He made my son feel at ease and had a lot of tools for assessing my sons ability and skills and areas that needed development. While being encouraging, he was also able to develop a practice plan and strategy for helping my son to get better in a fun environment. My son left with a huge smile, saying he was excited and liked his new teacher.

Dave L.

Dave L.

Jerry S.

Use of method books, classical, popular and jazz songbooks. Use of free websites to access chord charts, lyrics and video tutorials. Learn your favorite songs.

About Jerry

Always wanted to learn to play piano? Now is the time!

Hi, my name is Jerry and I am an experienced, patient, gentle teacher, with over 20 years teaching and performing experience. I teach all ages, beginners to more advanced students. Learn to read musical notation, chord symbols and play by ear. Learn your favorite songs.

I have a B.A. in Music Education and plenty of real world experience.• Private teaching: Scores of students over the last 20 years.• Public School System: Over 5 years teaching music (K-12) in the Chicago area.• Performance: Decades as a band member, lead

er and solo performer. I have worked with Herbie Hancock, Mary Wells, Greg Kihn and Jessie Colin Young, to name a few.• I am currently performing every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at Woody’s Steakhouse in Madison. Stop by and say hello. I’d love to talk with you.

Self-motivation is your greatest ally. I want to help you become motivated and fall in love with the piano.

Beginners can expect to work from “method books”. There are a number of authors available and all are designed to help in learning musical notation, theory, vocabulary, technique, etc. I like to add selections from my own library and encourage the use of various web sites that offer free chord charts, lyrics and tutorials on learning a specific song.

Make 2016 the year you finally learn to play! Music is a beautiful mystery waiting to be unraveled. Let’s get started!

...

Reviews

Michael S. February 8, 2016
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

Jerry is very personable, and knowledgeable. He shows Nash new kinds of music all the time. They have really hit it off. Jerry is a good person, and he's become a friend.

Michael S. February 8, 2016
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

Jerry is very personable, and knowledgeable. He shows Nash new kinds of music all the time. They have really hit it off. Jerry is a good person, and he's become a friend.

Brady B. February 6, 2016
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

My 9 year old daughter has been taking lessons with Jerry for almost one year now. This year we have added our 7 year old son. My children ABSOLUTELY LOVE Jerry. Last Christmas she was playing Christmas songs for the entire family and everybody loved it. He is patient and my kids look forward to each lesson. I would highly recommend him to anybody who wants their kids to have fun and learn something as beautiful as playing the piano.

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Jerry S.

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Jerry S.

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

(7)

starting at

$18
/ 30-min

Julie L.

Ages 4 to 94, beginner to intermediateWe will choose a method that is fun for you.Enjoy the music while learning how to play.30 minute lessons are ONLY for students ages 8 and younger.Adults are encouraged to choose 60 minute lessons or longer.

About Julie

I am passionate about Music and Music Education. It's rewarding for me to watch my students develop in their musical skill and enjoy making music more and more. My students range from the very young (4 years old) to school age children, to teens, and adults. My students benefit from my expertise in teaching Vocal and Piano music, my knowledge of Music Theory, and my encouraging teaching style. I have been involved in making music since I was a young child, and I have been teaching private students since I was a Music major at the University of Florida in 1982 when a fellow college student as

ked me to teach her voice lessons. I have a Music Education degree from the University of Florida; my major instrument was Voice, my minor was Piano. I taught as a public school music educator in Florida, California, and Tennessee between the years of 1983 to 1997. I taught private students after school in my classroom while I was a public school teacher, and from my home since 1997. My post-graduate continuing professional education includes Tennessee Arts Academy at Belmont University, Kodaly Pedagogy and Solfege Level 1 (vocal teaching techniques, do-re-mi, ear training), Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Level 1 certification, Yamaha M.I.E. (Music In Education) Piano Lab certification. My professionalism and expertise are at your service. I will work together with you to insure an enjoyable and informative learning experience.

*** Lesson Details ***A typical lesson in my studio would begin with a brief question/answer time with the student to learn how their week has gone, and how their music practice is progressing.

For PIANO LESSONS we begin with Technique including scales and dexterity exercises, then we play from the Lesson book and a Recital selection. I typically let the student play through the pieces they have prepared without interruption, then I call attention to corrections that need to be made, I demonstrate the correction, and then ask the student to play the piece again. After that we go over the Theory assignments, and do Ear Training exercises. I am comfortable teaching from a variety of different methods courses. The methods course is chosen according to the student's interest. I never require a piano student to continue using books that are not inspiring. There so many methods courses available, that a student may always be able to have methods books they LOVE.

In my SINGING LESSONS we also begin with a recap of the student's week. Then we continue with Warm Up exercises to prepare the student's voice for the lesson. Then we study Sight Singing and Solfege Singing (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do) to increase the student's listening skills. After that the student sings their selections. Like I do in Piano lessons, I listen to the pieces they have prepared without interruption, then I call attention to corrections that need to be made, I demonstrate the correction, and then ask the student to sing the piece again. I am comfortable teaching many styles of vocal music including classical, Broadway, pop, rock, and Christian.

For MUSIC THEORY lessons, the study material is chosen according to the student's interest and age. Topics include notation, chord structure, chord progression, melodic structure, and harmony. I also incorporate Music Listening in the Music Theory lesson in order to learn from the masters in many styles of music. My Music Theory students will also have the opportunity to develop composition and songwriting skills if they desire.

My teaching style is structured and friendly, keeping the student's goals and interests at the forefront. I enjoy motivating students to reach their highest potential.After 3 to 6 months in my studio my students will see improvement in their musical technique, ear training, music reading, notation, and knowledge. They will be preparing recital pieces for an upcoming performance. I provide two recital opportunities a year: in December, and in May. Most importantly, the student's love and appreciation of music will be growing.

*** Travel Equipment ***I provide lesson books, the students should provide their instrument.

I do have a mobile keyboard to bring for SINGING lessons.

*** Specialties ***Kodaly Pedagogy and Solfege Level 1

Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Level 1 certification

Yamaha M.I.E. (Music In Education) Lab certified instructor

...

Reviews

Lina October 22, 2016
English ·
Online Verified Student

Therman S. September 28, 2016
Singing ·
In studio Verified Student

Great first lesson

Kristen September 21, 2016
Piano ·
In studio

Julie is an excellent teacher and professional. Her knowledge base is incredible; she absolutely is a master. She knows exactly how to reach my 5-year-old and my 11-year-old, and teach them where they are. She stretches them, and it is amazing to see how far they've come in just a short while. Julie teaches them piano in a multitude of ways: they listen, they play, they move, they sing, they read, they study, they write. It's so much more than just sitting at the piano and playing notes. My children are learning to MAKE MUSIC and it is a beautiful thing. I'm very happy we found Julie Lopez.

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Julie L.

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Julie L.

Hermitage, TN 37076

(44)

starting at

$29
/ 30-min

Natalie L.

About Natalie

Hi, everyone!

I'm so excited to be in Music City! I just moved to Nashville from New York City where I worked with Broadway performers and kids auditioning for some of the most competitive performance schools in the country. I'm confident I can help you achieve your music goals, whether they be learning to produce a powerful, resonate, healthy sound with your voice, becoming proficient in piano from everything from Bach to Billy Joel, or writing clear, catchy songs that will have a big impact on an audience.

Please check out my bio below and feel free to ask me any questions about lesso

ns with the "Ask a Question" button.

Hope to be working with you very soon!

xoxoNatalie

Natalie is a composer/lyricist, pianist, vocalist, and music educator born in Irving, TX and raised in Annapolis, MD. She has a Master of Music in music theory and composition from New York University, a Bachelor of Music in musical theater from the Catholic University of America, a certificate in vocal performance from the Peabody Preparatory, and is an alumnus of the famed BMI Lehmen Engel Musical Theater Workshop. She is also a pianist of twenty-seven years, trained under a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory.

In addition to music, Natalie has also studied child and adolescent development, psychology, and music education. She has been teaching music students of all ages privately and in classrooms since 2006. She personalizes her instruction to fit the learning style of each student, focusing on technique, theory, and repertoire while making sure the student does not lose his or her love of music in the process.

As a composer, she has written for both the piano and the stage and is listed in The Directory of Contemporary Musical Theater Writers at Contemporary Musical Theater.com. She wrote the music, book and lyrics to Deployed, which premiered off-off Broadway at the Abingdon Theatre Company in November 2013 and played again at the Gene Frankel Theatre in January 2014 to sold-out audiences. It was featured in the Musical Theater Factory’s 4x15 in March 2015 and continues to be developed. Other work includes: Hall Pass ("Flyers and Fryers," Grace Church School, produced by Blake McCarthy), The Big C (songs, Dramatists Guild), "Performance Anxiety" (music/lyrics, The Flea Theatre, Raw Impressions Musical Theatre Marathon),The Music of Natalie Lovejoy (The Duplex), and "Movement to Contact" (score, Veteran Artist Program PSA). She has served as rehearsal pianist for the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and accompanist and music director for NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts.

...

Reviews

Silvi P. November 29, 2016
Singing ·
Online Verified Student

Paige November 2, 2016
Broadway Singing ·
In studio

While Natalie is a supremely educated and experienced voice instructor, she remains supportive of the novice singer and is insightful in her curriculum.

Paige November 1, 2016
Singing ·
Online Verified Student

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Natalie L.

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Natalie L.

Nashville, TN 37214

(8)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

John P.

I usually start beginners with a “method book.” John Thompson’s series are ideal for students who want to develop their classical chops. (Alfred, Bastien and Hal Leonard also publish excellent books for students who are interested in a variety of styles.) Regardless of a preferred style, I work with all students to develop a comfortable relationship with the piano, one which enables them to play without stress, strain or injury.

About John

You’ve surely heard the old refrain: “I took piano lessons as a kid, but I don’t play anymore.” That makes as much sense to me as saying, “I rode a bike as a kid but not now.” If learned properly, the piano can provide anyone with a lifetime of recreation and pleasure.Hi, my name is John, and I am an experienced pianist, educator and music journalist. I am the Nashville Scene’s classical music critic, and over the years I have written about music for The Washington Post and National Public Radio, among other places. I have also been an adjunct associate professor at Vanderbilt University’s B

lair School of Music and teach privately in my own studio. I am a very patient and nurturing teacher, but I am also methodical, which is a huge benefit for my students. In short order, they all become comfortable and confident at the keyboard.

...

Reviews

Jen May 16, 2016

John is an excellent piano teacher! He is patient and encouraging with my son, and he makes lessons fun with inventive and creative approaches that match the individual learning style of each student. He also adapts the pace of the lessons to the progress of the child to always keep things challenging. My son has progressed from beginner to accomplished player of Mozart, Chopin, and Beethoven under John's instruction. I highly recommend this teacher!

Affordable

Effective

Piano Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Piano instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

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Cory was willing to take on the challenge of teaching my 4 year old daughter piano. She has now been in lessons for 1 year and is doi

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"Josh was an OUTSTANDING piano teacher for our son. Not only does he have amazing musical talent, he is amazing with kids. Josh's way with kids is that h

e makes them feel comfortable, meets them where they are at, and also makes the whole experience super fun for the kids. Josh was able to really motivate Jared to love the lessons, and even do his practice. I was a little unsure about just finding a teacher on this site, but Josh really exceeded my expectations. I cannot imagine a better piano teacher for our son. We moved and hence it it going to be hard to find someone that is even half as good."

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Boston, MA teacher:
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Review by Faith

"I've been taking piano lessons with Mike for 2 years. He introduced me to new types of music and was always looking for pieces he thought I would enjoy. I

learned a great deal of technique and skills as well as music theory to help me in my musical future. I appreciate all the time you spent with me. Thank you for the past two years.Dan"

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Trenton, NJ teacher:
Michael M.

Review by Leah

"Amazing teacher. My son is a beginner and he loves going for his piano lessons."

Worcester, MA teacher:
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Review by Roberta

"Billy is a very patient teacher, and he has helped me make a lot of progress, which is wonderful. Whenever there is a problem, he helps me break it down i

nto little bits that are easier to work through. I highly recommend him as a teacher."

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Review by Ayan

"Very interactive and kind"

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Review by Yingting

"Lena is very patient and experienced in teaching. I like the way that she lets me choose my favorite pieces to learn, that's a great way to keep an adult

learner interested and motivated. And she always tries her best to accommodate my schedule changes and learning needs. Overall, it's been a great experience working with Lena."

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New York, NY teacher:
Lena L.

Free Piano Lessons with an Expert Teacher

Learn how to play the piano in these video tutorials from a professional piano teacher!

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Video #1: Intro to the Piano

Intro to the Piano: Learn about the parts of the piano and how to find the
all-important Middle C.

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Learn about proper posture, hand placement, and other beginner essentials.

Video #3: Reading Piano Notes

Learn about the treble and bass clefs, and tips for remembering the notes on the piano.

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Learn what all those sharps and flats really mean, and how to decode your music.

Video #5: Understanding Rhythm

Follow along to master quarter notes, quarter rests, and half rests.

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